A tragic accident occurred on Sunday near Sahapur Junction in Bhadrak district, Odisha, where a motorcyclist lost his life after being hit by a speeding train at a level crossing gate. The deceased was identified as Abhimanyu Parida, a resident of Kanasahi village. He was returning home around 2 pm when the incident took place.
Details of the Incident
According to preliminary reports, the level crossing gate was reportedly open at the time of the train's passage, leading to the collision. This sparked outrage among local residents, who staged a demonstration on the Bhadrak-Pirahat main road. In their anger, they ransacked the level crossing, demanding accountability for the negligence that led to the loss of life.
Railway Clarification
The East Coast Railway issued an official statement on Sunday clarifying that the level crossing is part of a private siding owned, operated, and managed by a company that handles the Dhamra Port. The statement emphasized that Indian Railways has no operational or administrative jurisdiction over this private siding and is not involved in its management. An investigation into the matter is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.
Community Response
The incident has raised concerns about safety at level crossings, especially those managed by private entities. Locals have demanded stricter oversight and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The demonstration disrupted traffic on the main road for several hours before authorities intervened.
Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities are probing the incident, including whether the gate was malfunctioning or if human error was involved. The railway has urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols at all crossings. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
